September 25, 2011

Raku Hokkaido Ramen House

Nestled comfortably at the ground floor of Le Grand Condominium, 130 Valero Street in SalcedoVillage,Makati City, is an authentic Japanese restaurant called Raku Hokkaido Ramen House. The food served at Raku strives to commit into its meaning, “raku” which means “sense of bliss” or “happiness and contentment.”

The owner, Andrew Masigan, studied at Japan’s exclusive Sophia University, famous for educating such greats as MorihiroHosokawa, Japan’s 79th Prime Minister; the late HisashiInoue, award-winning playwright and author; and George Takei of Star Trek fame, to have its patrons leave happy, contented, fulfilled and blissfully sated.

Raku has variations of the four basic ramen flavors: Shoyu (soy-based), Shio (salt), Tonkatsu (pork broth) and, of course, miso. Served with characteristic Japanese minimalism on beautiful pottery imported straight from the inscrutable country, Raku is easily an authority on Japanese noodle preparation. However, it is worthy to note that you will be surprised – the different noodle dishes bring consumers to a unique noodle experience. Executed flawlessly by the owner’s nephew and Executive Chef CK Kalaw, who trained at Le Cordon Bleu in Australia, Raku’s noodles have a playful and distinct touch while still maintaining the soothing and familiar flavors.The incorporation of miso in the soup gives the broth a fuller, earthier flavor, in addition to certain nutritional values thanks to its high levels of vitamins and minerals.

The GYOZA. There is an underlying light-heartedness to the gyoza, from the fused variations to the more classic types. Take for instance the scallop gyoza, which imports its ingredients straight from Japan. Although the first bite is typical, the true flavors abound once you swallow, releasing memories of woodcuts, mountains and chilly peaceful lake. Raku’s gyoza is just as light-hearted as the ramen. The gyoza festival at Raku brings in cheerful gratification with its innumerable choices all revolving around basic flavors of pork, chicken, shrimp, scallop and salmon.

What's best? Raku is on buy 1 take 1 all food items from 2pm to 6pm and 9pm to 11pm daily. Certain guidelines to be followed: The promo is not applicable for beverages. Not applicable for other discounts and senior citizen discount. For delivery and take out, add P20 per order for microwavable packaging. Vat excluded.